Football fans are running to Russia for the FIFA World Cup 2018. Are you one of the many fans running there? St Petersburg is one of the cities where the matches are taking place and it’s going to be raging with people from all over the world for the next few weeks.
While there, why not get some sightseeing into your schedule? You are travelling all the way so you may as well just explore the city and all its glorious sights. Even if you are not going to attend any games there, I still highly recommend you to visit this city as it has a lot to offer beyond the St Petersburg Stadium.

The Hermitage and The Palace Square

St Petersburg has a lot of historic places and gorgeous buildings including the Hermitage. It was founded by Catherine the Great in the 18th Century. She was a patron of the arts and used the Winter Palace to store her amazing art collection.

The building then became the official residence of the Imperial family for over 150 years until it finally opened to the public as a museum. There is so much of history within these walls, which makes it even more fascinating.

Fun Fact: It is the second largest museum in the world.

The Palace Square is located right in front of the Hermitage museum and in the center of the square you will find the Alexander Column at 475 meters high.In the square you will find street performers performing while people tap their feet and enjoy their evenings.

Palace Square

Nevsky Prospekt

Nevsky Prospect is the main street in St. Petersburg, where you will find many shops, restaurants, cafes, street artists and landmarks.Just walk around the street, it is super lively and you will find something to do at every nook and corner.

Canals running through the City

Largest Zara Store in the City

Mulled wine in take away coffee cups

Peter and Paul Fortress

On an island in the delta of the Neva river you will find the Peter and Paul Fortress. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and it is the oldest cathedral in the city. It is the burial place of the most important members of the imperial family, Peter the Great, and Catherine II.

The Church of the Saviour on Blood

Also known as the Church on the Blood . It is many a time confused with St Basil Cathedral in Moscow, as they are both made in the same Russian style. The church was built on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.

The building contains 75,000 sqm of mosaics and the consists of five domes. It is definitely very different from all the other churches I have seen and one of the more beautiful as well.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral

It is said that from the top of the Cathedral you will get one of the best panoramic views of St Petersburg. Guess you’ll have to climb to the top to find out!

Pro Tip: If you’re a student, don’t forget your Student ID card for discounted entries into some these famous sights.

“White Night” boat cruise in St. Petersburg.

There is a phenomenon caused by St. Petersburg’s northerly location, called the White Night. Basically it stays bright all night long as the sun does not descend below the horizon enough for the sky to grow dark. During June and July is the best time to experience it.

The best way to experience the “White Night” in St. Petersburg is to take a boat cruise at night. It’s usually a 2 to 3 hour boat ride starting at 12 am going on into the wee hours of the night. You will get to see the city from a different perspective as well as the opening of the drawbridges. It is a must for not only those who are going for the FIFA world cup but for everyone in general.